Natural Alexandrite
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One Gem. Two Worlds of Color.
Few gemstones captivate quite like alexandrite, a rare and remarkable stone celebrated for its dramatic color change and exceptional durability. Revered by collectors and connoisseurs alike, alexandrite shifts hues with light, creating a gemstone that feels alive, expressive, and deeply personal. Beyond its mesmerizing beauty, alexandrite offers impressive strength and stability, making it a compelling choice for fine jewelry and engagement rings alike. Whether you are drawn to its scientific intrigue, rich history, or symbolic connection to transformation and individuality, alexandrite stands apart as one of the most extraordinary gemstones found in nature.
Exceptional Strength and Stability
Alexandrite is actually a variety of chrysoberyl. It has a hardness of 8.5 and excellent toughness. It has no cleavage (the tendency to fracture when struck), and it is resistant to chemicals, heat, and light, making it a very stable gemstone. It is usually not treated or enhanced, although it can have inclusions and sometimes fracture-filling. Be sure to purchase your special gem from a member of the AGTA, who is voluntarily bound by contract to disclose all treatments on gemstones (such as Krikawa).
Alexandrite History
This extraordinary gemstone was first discovered in 1830 in Russia’s Ural Mountains, a region long known for its rich mineral deposits. Alexandrite’s remarkable color change, shifting from lush green in daylight to rich red under incandescent light, mirrored the official colors of the Russian Empire, quickly capturing national pride and fascination. In honor of this symbolism, the gem was named after the future Czar Alexander II to commemorate his coming of age. Almost immediately, alexandrite became associated with prestige, power, and good fortune, and was coveted by the Russian nobility and later admired by gem collectors around the world. Its rare optical phenomenon and imperial origins have secured alexandrite a lasting place among the most storied and sought-after gemstones in history.
Alexandrite Rarity
The original source of alexandrite was in the Ural Mountains of Russia, and that mine is now long closed, as it contained only a small pocket of fine gems. Other small pockets have been found in Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. Unfortunately, gems from these mines exhibit poor to only moderate color change. A more recent find in Brazil has produced a fair-sized yield of fine color-change gemstones, making this gorgeous stone again available to the interested collector.
Even with the opening of this mine in Brazil, fine gem-quality alexandrite remains extremely rare and expensive. Many fine alexandrites can be found in period jewelry; however, new loose fine gemstones are also available.
Alexandrite for Engagement Rings
Because of the great hardness of alexandrite at 8.5, it is considered very good for everyday wear. Interested in an alexandrite for your engagement ring? We can also source lab-grown alexandrite for your dream ring. Contact us today for your special stone, or search our database of Alexandrites to see a small sampling of what's available.
